Upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar, UP has inked a significant concession agreement with Bird Group to manage ground-handling services at the airport. This strategic collaboration aims to streamline and enhance ground-handling operations. Bird Group, which is well known for its ground-handling capabilities, brings over five decades of expertise and a vast presence in aviation services across 21 airports in India.
The partnership involves Bird Group assuming a wide array of responsibilities for the ground-handling project. This encompasses a comprehensive range of services designed to elevate the traveller’s journey. From extending a warm welcome to passengers to ensuring smooth ramp operations and meticulous handling of baggage, the focus is on optimising efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
Aligned with Noida International Airport’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, Bird Group will deploy electric-powered ground service equipment (GSE). This move is aimed at reducing the airport’s carbon footprint, paving the way for more sustainable and eco-friendly operations.
Commenting on the development, Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer, Noida International Airport, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Bird Group, a leader in ground handling services. Their proven expertise and dedication to innovation will play a crucial role in our journey towards establishing a world-class airport. Ground handling is a pivotal aspect of airport operations, ensuring seamless functioning, and with this alliance, we aim to deliver an exceptional experience at every touchpoint for our customers.”
Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which has been servicing domestic flights since September 2023, is designed to provide seamless connectivity to The Red Sea. Luxury resorts like Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, and St. Regis Red Sea Resort are already operational, with more set to open this year, including the Nujuma Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Shebara, and Desert Rock.
Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group, shared his pride in the collaboration, highlighting its significance as the first ground handling provider at the capital’s second airport. “We are proud to be a part of this historical moment! To be the first ground handling provider at the capital’s second airport is a very significant milestone in our journey. We are committed towards setting new benchmarks for service delivery and sustainability by introducing newer processes and technologies,” he added.The initial phase of the upcoming airport, featuring one runway and terminal, will have the capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually. Upon completion of all four development phases, the airport’s capacity will expand to accommodate up to 70 million passengers per year, catering to the growing demands of air travel in the region. The airport is expected to start operations by end of this year.
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Leading online travel company MakeMyTrip has reached a monumental milestone in its journey of over two decades by expanding its services worldwide. Formerly operating in India, the USA, and the UAE, MakeMyTrip has broadened its horizons to encompass over 150 countries, including key travel markets like the UK, USA, Germany, Japan, Italy, France, and more. This expansion allows travellers across the globe to leverage MakeMyTrip’s offerings.
The platform has meticulously aligned with various international regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), solidifying its global accessibility.
Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, expressed, “Our unwavering commitment to data protection and stringent compliance standards in India has paved the way for our seamless transition into international markets. The trust and loyalty bestowed upon us by Indian travelers have fueled our mission to uphold the highest standards and operational protocols. Our decision to extend MakeMyTrip’s reach globally reflects this commitment – ensuring travellers can access our platform without hindrance, regardless of their location.”
Emphasising the emphasis on bolstering inbound tourism, Magow added, “Our global accessibility is poised to connect with the extensive Indian diaspora worldwide. Furthermore, this expansion will facilitate a broader audience, encouraging greater inbound travel to India. With our extensive network spanning over 2000 cities, international tourists will uncover India’s hidden treasures with ease.”
MakeMyTrip’s steadfast dedication to being a dependable travel companion for Indian travellers now extends on a global scale. The platform’s interface remains consistent, offering seamless transactions in USD, AED, or INR, catering to diverse travel needs effortlessly.
Under the terms of the MOU, STB and MakeMyTrip will collaborate on various initiatives and campaigns throughout 2024 to enhance inbound travel to Singapore. STB will leverage MakeMyTrip’s market insights and expertise to craft unique holiday packages tailored to Indian consumers. India stands out as one of the top five markets for Singapore tourism, with over 1 million Indian visitors welcomed in 2023.
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VFS Global, a renowned leader in outsourcing and technology services for governments and diplomatic missions, has appointed GB Srithar as its new Head of Tourism Services effective from February 1, 2024.
Bringing with him a distinguished career spanning over 27 years, Srithar joins VFS Global from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), where he held various pivotal roles, including Area Director for South India & Sri Lanka and Regional Director overseeing marketing and tourism development across multiple regions.
In his new role, Srithar will leverage his extensive expertise to provide specialized services in Travel, Trade, and Tourism Services to VFS Global’s client governments. His appointment aligns with the company’s mission to support governments in achieving their strategic objectives of enhancing tourism and trade.
ituated at the prestigious Raheja Platinum on the prominent Andheri-Kurla Road, a landmark business hub, TTIC Mumbai will serve as a comprehensive resource center for travel, tourism, and hospitality-related information about the picturesque island country. The event also featured captivating street dance performances and Taiwanese pop music by the renowned Taiwanese dance group, ‘FunTo Art.’
Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO, VFS Global, expressed his enthusiasm about Srithar’s addition to the team, citing his wealth of experience and proven track record. Srithar, in turn, expressed his excitement about joining VFS Global, emphasizing the opportunity to contribute to global travel, trade, and tourism promotion efforts. “His expertise positions him to lead our efforts with our Client Governments to promote travel, trade, and tourism from key source markets,” he said.”I am very pleased to join VFS Global – a very prestigious brand and global leader in its field. VFS Global gives me an incredible opportunity to leverage my experience on a global scale working with our Client Governments to promote and add value to Travel, Trade and Tourism Services in both established and emerging markets.,” said Srithar on his appointment.
Srithar, a Singapore national, holds Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and English Language, as well as a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) from the National University of Singapore.
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In a significant stride towards enhancing urban services and fortifying tourism infrastructure, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has given the nod to a USD 100 million loan dedicated to the northeastern state of Tripura.
Expressing commitment to supporting Tripura’s governmental priorities, ADB Principal Urban Development Specialist Tomoo Ueda stated, “ADB is committed to supporting the Tripura government’s priorities of improving urban services and tourism infrastructure to help boost economic development.”
Ueda added, “This project will support the state as a gateway to the northeast region by developing tourist destinations along the national highways and by improving urban governance and financial sustainability.”
According to the ADB report, the comprehensive project encompasses the upgrade of urban water supply systems through the installation of 42 kilometres of new transmission and distribution pipes, the establishment of four new water treatment plants, and the enhancement of 55 kilometres of stormwater drains.
Additionally, 21 kilometres of urban roads will be improved with a focus on features catering to the needs of the elderly, women, children, and disabled individuals.
To bolster the delivery of urban services, the initiative aims to build the capacity of twelve urban local bodies in areas such as planning, infrastructure operations and maintenance, financial management, gender equality and social inclusion, and project management.
Furthermore, the state government will receive support in updating building regulations, incorporating spatial planning and green building principles for enhanced climate and disaster resilience.
The project’s tourism-centric facet aims to elevate key destinations like the Chaturdash Devata Temple, Kasaba Kalibari, and Neermahal Palace.
As per the government data, tourism plays a vital role in West Bengal’s economy, contributing around 13 per cent of the state’s GDP. One of the key benefits of this move is the boost it will provide to investment in the tourism sector. Hotels, in particular, will benefit from substantial savings on electricity bills, water supply costs and license fees and taxes.
This involves improving amenities, rooms, and landscaping, and ensuring they are more visitor- and gender-friendly. Additionally, plans include the establishment of a digital museum and a new adventure park.In tandem, a 10-year tourism business plan is set to be developed, guiding marketing, and promotion efforts, and attracting private sector involvement. Simultaneously, Tripura’s tourism policy will undergo an update to align with evolving needs.
As an institution deeply committed to fostering prosperity, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability across Asia and the Pacific, ADB’s involvement in Tripura underscores its dedication to eradicating extreme poverty.
Established in 1966, ADB boasts ownership by 68 members. It obtains its funding by issuing bonds on the world’s capital markets, contributions from member countries, retained earnings from lending operations, and the repayment of loans.
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Following improvement in the security conditions for Indian diplomats in Ottawa, the Indian government has announced the resumption of some visa services in Canada from today, however, tourist visa for Canadian citizens remain suspended until further order. The announcement came after India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s statement emphasising the need for heightened security at India’s missions in Canada, with a focus on ensuring a safe environment for visa and consular services.
Sharing the announcement in a statement on X (Formerly Twitter), the High Commission of India in Ottawa announced the resumption of visa services through its Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver, effective October 26, 2023. This significant development comes after the temporary suspension of various visa services, reflecting a careful review of the security situation that also considered recent Canadian measures.
“After a considered review of the security situation that takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard, it has been decided to resume visa services for the following categories with effect from October 26. Emergency situations will continue to be addressed by the High Commission and the Consulate General as it is being done currently,” the Indian High Commission said in its statement.
The resumed visa services will include the issuance of entry visas, business visas, medical visas, and conference visas for Canadian nationals. Entry visas are granted to people of Indian origin and to those who are dependent family members of employment visa holders. However, it’s important to note that tourist and e-visa services for Canadians will remain temporarily suspended.
The hiatus in visa services, which began on September 21, had broader diplomatic implications. In response, Canada had withdrawn 41 diplomats from India last week and temporarily suspended visa and in-person consular services in specific Indian cities, namely Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. These services will now be exclusively available at the Canadian High Commission in Delhi.
Widespread panic among Indian travellers ensued when certain media reports suggested that Canada was suspending visa and consular services at Canadian Consulates in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh. However, it is crucial to note that only in-person operations are impacted, and visa applications will continue to be processed. VFS Global also said VACs across 10 cities continue to operate normally.
While the resumption of services is undoubtedly a positive development, the reduced staffing levels may lead to some processing delays. The impact could affect Indian citizens by prolonging processing times, responses to inquiries, and the issuance of visas and passports. It remains to be seen whether the number of visas issued to Indian nationals will be significantly affected due to the limited staffing capacity. Prior to the disruption caused by the diplomatic dispute, Canada was issuing approximately 15,000 visas to Indian nationals each week.
As the situation continues to evolve, travellers and applicants are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to anticipate potential processing delays when applying for Indian visas through the reopened services. India’s decision to reinstate these visa categories is expected to facilitate essential travel and business engagements between the two nations, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening ties.
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Karan Rathore, a prominent entrepreneur in the hospitality sector, has assumed the role of Chairman at the Services Export Promotion Council, an organisation established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. He previously served as the Vice Chairman of SEPC since September 2021.
SEPC, as the central body for Services Export Promotion, has played a pivotal role in boosting India’s services exports. Its primary responsibilities include providing trade insights, fostering a conducive business environment, offering policy recommendations, and organising events and activities related to export development and promotion.
With more than 25 years of experience, Rathore, who serves as the Director of the Umaid Hotels and Resorts group in Jaipur, brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. He is also an alumnus and a current board member of the esteemed Mayo College in Ajmer. Additionally, he has contributed to the advisory committee for tourism in the Government of Rajasthan.
Commenting on his new position, Karan Rathore, Chairman, SEPC, stated, “My mission is clear: to guide SEPC in India’s pursuit of achieving $1 trillion in services exports by 2030. The vision is to position SEPC as a knowledge hub, deliver value-added services, and generate business opportunities for all stakeholders.”
The Services Export Promotion Council, established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is tasked with facilitating global business prospects for India’s services sector. Since its inception in 2006, the Council has played a pivotal role in promoting service exports by providing trade intelligence, fostering export development, facilitating export promotion, and creating a favorable business environment.
Before the pandemic, the travel and tourism sector exhibited robust growth of 16 per cent in 2019. However, the industry suffered a major setback during the pandemic, with a 47 per cent decline in job postings in 2020 and a 27 per cent drop in 2021 due to widespread travel restrictions and lockdowns. While the industry experienced a marginal 3 per cent hiring upswing in 2022, it has seen a remarkable recovery this year.
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In a significant development amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs in India has announced temporary suspension of visa services in Canada citing security reasons. However, travel between both the countries remain unrestricted as existing visa holders can continue to travel to India.
In a day full of multiple developments related to visa services, BLS International, the visa facilitator, which handles Indian visa services in Canada had issued a public notice about suspension of visa services until further notice. Later in the day, the same notice disappeared from the company’s website.
Sharing a clarification on the same, BLS International told ETTravelWorld that the website faced technical isues due to heavy traffic. “The BLS Canada visa website witnessed a technical glitch, due to which the message did not reflect for a brief period,” the company said. It also clarified that it does not provide Canadian visas and that it directly works with embassies.
BLS had notified ‘operational reason’ as the cause for the suspension from today until further notice.
This led to a confusion that the visa services will operate normally until the Indian government held a press conference to intimidate about the visa service suspension. In the press conference, Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis.
“Those in Canada who possess valid visas to India or those who have OCIs are free to travel to India. There is no issue with Indian students in Canada as they are Indian students and there are no Indian visa issues for them. We will review this situation on a regular basis,” Bagchi said.
Elaborating more on the reason of suspension, Bagchi cited safety and security of Indian diplomats as the key reason. “You are aware of the security threats being faced by our High Commission and Consulates in Canada. This has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our High Commission and Consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications,” the MEA spokesperson said.
The message posted by the Indian visa application center in Canada read, “Important notice from the Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21st September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended until further notice.”
India and Canada are embroiled in a diplomatic row over the killing of a Khalistani separatist leader. The deteriorating diplomatic relations between Canada and India have raised concerns about the visa prospects for hundreds of thousands of immigrants, students, and workers who travel to Canada annually.
Canada is the second most popular destination for Indian students and immigrants, particularly from Punjab and Haryana, with over 700,000 students studying abroad last year.
These concerns emerged following the mutual expulsion of diplomats by Canada and India. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that individuals linked to the Indian government may have been involved in the murder of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
On Wednesday, India had issued advisory for Indian nationals in Canada to exercise caution due to anti-India activities and hate crimes. It was apparently issued in response to the similar advisory issued by Canada however, the Canadian authorities said it was part of a pre-scheduled and routine maintenance and no new risk information has been added to the India TAA.
Amid heightened tensions with India, Canada is pulling some diplomats from India. With some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms Global Affairs Canada is assessing its staff complement in India.
Additionally, Canada’s reported refusal to grant visas to Indian security personnel who had served in Jammu and Kashmir had also garnered attention in this context.
Triggering a tense diplomatic standoff earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India had a role in the killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The advisory was updated after Trudeau said on Tuesday that Ottawa wants New Delhi to address the issue properly, according to CBC News. The Canadian PM added, however, that his country wasn’t trying to provoke India by any means.
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